Does UK licensed NSAID administration reduce signs of postoperative pain in calves castrated without local anaesthesia?

Published:

2021-07-08

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i3.452

Abstract

There is an erratum to this paper published in Veterinary Evidence Vol 6, Issue 3 (2021): https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i3.525

PICO question

In calves undergoing castration without local or general anaesthesia, do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) licensed for use in cattle in the UK administered either before, during or after the procedure reduce signs of postoperative pain?

 

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

Twenty studies were critically appraised. All were controlled trials, of which 17 were randomised. Only NSAIDs licensed for use in cattle in the UK were included in the search strategy and in appraised papers

Strength of evidence

Moderate

Outcomes reported

Five studies reported an improvement in both physiological and behavioural indicators of postcastration pain following NSAID administration and a further eight reported improvements in either physiological or behavioural parameters. Seven studies found no improvements in pain indicators

Conclusion

There is moderate evidence to suggest that NSAID administration before, during or after castration is able to reduce the signs of postoperative pain in calves castrated without anaesthesia. The degree to which pain is reduced is variable and depends upon factors including but not limited to castration method, specific NSAID given, dosage, administration and calf age

 

Open Access Peer Reviewed

References

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Vol. 6 No. 3 (2021): The third issue of 2021

Section: Knowledge Summaries

Categories :  Small Animal  /  Dogs  /  Cats  /  Rabbits  /  Production Animal  /  Cattle  /  Sheep  /  Pig  /  Equine  / 

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